My car is still running pathetically.No power when floored just sort of bucks and surges.

Most likely have it figured out to be one of these five things.

1.Big vacuum leak.
2.Coil failure
3.Fuel pump failure or maybe clogged injectors.
4.Clogged cat converter.
5.Fuel cut

I have my new catback and downpipe with no cat coming in the mail but not sure when exactly it will show up so was thinking just unbolt the cat and muffler for now and see how the car runs.

If no improvement I know to further check out the other three things.
Will it hurt the car to drive it with no catback or catalytic for a couple of days tops.I would think the car won't even be that loud since turbos muffle a lot of noise.

The car starts quick and runs smooth at light throttle but acts up as soon as you try to step on it.Feels maybe a bit like fuel cut but not as violent I think .More like it just dont' seem to go anywhere even though the factory boost gauage is moving and it feels like a surging bucking not sure if it makes backfiring noise or not.

I can't see it being fuel cut with stock boost but it is super cold around here lately.

And lately have changed out the obvious stuff.
New air filter,fuel filter,new accel plug wires and spark plugs,new therm,oil change.Haven't hooked up my new maf translator or ls1 maf yet.

It won't hurt anything, but the car WILL be loud. Your turbo isn't a muffler...

It smooths out the sound a bit so it won't make farting noise like a Honda, but it sure as hell won't be quiet. I'd be careful and avoid major streets where cops might be. Its a FAT FINE.

Ok went to muffler shop and they removed cat,looked original and took off entire catback in case had collapse muffler or something.

Dark you were right it is LOUD!! Not as obnoxious as fart pipes on hondas but still annoying enough for sure.I am used to my v8 cars being pretty loud.Have electric cutout opener on my ls1.
Anyway to the point.Problem still there.So not clogged cat or collapsed exhaust.
Car still starts good ,idles decent when warm but as soon as you step on the gas hard at all
it just dogs out and backfires big time.
Is backfiring a sign or running too rich or too lean..? forget..

Anyway ordered new o2 sensor and will install as soon as catback and downpipe show up.
Next checking coil out ,think bad fuel pump would just make the car slow but don't think bad pump would make backfiring or bad missing sounds or maybe it would.Pricing out pumps today.Walbros are cheap enough but the twin turbo toyota is supposed to be very quiet.Anyone know good place to order the tt one from??Or the tt part number?

Check for intake leaks first.

Also, your O2 sensor is out of the picture when you floor it.

I'm still saying ignition. I should stop saying it... :-)

But my car did the EXACT same thing at high throttle, misfiring, bucking, not accelerating properly, and it was cause of melted wires.

About open exhaust, I don't mind it. I was driving around with the exhaust broken clean off for weeks, never got in trouble. I'd just turn my stereo up I'll have some more fun when I get the electric cutout welded in...

I am not expecting the o2 sensor to cure it either just putting it in as its good maintenance to change it out and I know nothing of maintenance history of my car.

Well my wires are brand new perfect so not burned igniton wires but just ordered a new coil.Man they are expensive and what a diff in prices .Found one for 214 and dodge wanted 289 after some haggling but some places wanted like 484 for it..yeah right..

I don't see any intake leaks but its getting warmer out so can do some more testing and take car to buddy with the HEATED garage so can really check things with my multimeter if it still does this after the coil pack.It sure seems like massive vac leak though and might have to take off stuff to really look at intercooler connection.Had car on hoist and lower looked ok from just a quick look and all my vac lines seem fine.

Will do the simplified vac thing soon and see if that helps.Running out of things to check here guys.

What are symptoms of blown turbo..can it still boost but do weird things when floored like the backfiring and stuff..???

The outlet of our ICs tends to rot on these cars, right under the stock rubber tubing. Take off the upper IC hoses, you may find some pinholes there. JB weld will fix it right up.

You can't just look around for leaks - you'll be there for hours.
Pressurize the intake and listen for leaks. If it's a leak that will cause the problems you describe, you'll be able to hear exactly where it is (it'll be obvious).
There are instructions for this at http://www.fvaq.com

Have you checked the TPS adjustment and timing?

Nope ,haven't checked several things yet like timing and tps setting.Will check shortly for sure.Will also possibly check fuel pressure but not much point if putting in another pump and maybe afpr.
I have to admit to starting to get a bit discouraged with this car.It looks so nice but runs so bad right now.
Chris Clark generously offered to come by and maybe do some logging ,that will be nice.
Sure it can be figured out especially by someone with years of talon experience rather than my one week.
What kills me is buddy just got his old subaru xt turbo all raced up and I can't even play with him right now it wouldn't be a race it would be a massacre.!! LOL

But I will keep this car no matter what .I like the little thing and will put into it whatever it needs to run right.

I really wish obd1 was more specific like ob2.My ob2 car would tell me right now if I had misfires,which cylinder,etc.etc. Not sure if you can get that much detail off these obd1 cars.
I haven't seen an engine code yet but the car runs like a one cylinder.It honestly feels like 50hp total right now.And just when it seems it starts to get boost it dogs out.

Well next week is a new week and parts will start arriving in the mail.Still think the car will be great heck right now even 200hp would look and feel good to me.

Damn dude, you shoulda consulted me before you bought that coil, I get a damn good price on OE parts

I dont have years of DSM experience, just 1 and a bit. But I have plenty of cars in general experience.

Yeah I gotta get a working logger and we will be good to go, then mabey make a intake tester.

Check the cam angle sensor as well.

also check for exhaust leaks before the turbo such as cracked exhaust manifold and leaks around the gaskets. Also make sure you're wastegate isn't stuck open and check the solenoid. logging will figure this out for sure.